Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Take Turns: Meaning, History & Usage

"Life is a stage where we must take turns in the spotlight, sharing our moments with grace and understanding."

📖 Definition

"Take turns" means to alternate in doing something, allowing each participant to have an opportunity to perform or participate in a specific activity.

Examples in context

During the meeting, we take turns presenting our ideas.
The children take turns playing on the swing set.
In the competition, teams take turns to showcase their skills.

📖 Definition

"Take turns" means to alternate in doing something, allowing each participant to have an opportunity to perform or participate in a specific activity.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The phrase cannot be split with other words.

Neutral

Suitable for both casual and formal contexts.

Transitive

It does not take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	take turns	They take turns sharing their stories at the meeting.
Past Simple	took turns	Yesterday, they took turns leading the group discussion.
Present Continuous	taking turns	They are taking turns cooking dinner this week.
Present Perfect	have taken turns	They have taken turns answering questions during the event.

💡 When to Use

In group activities

Use when participants need to alternate their participation, ensuring everyone gets a chance to contribute.

Example: "During the debate, we need to take turns speaking."

Organizing tasks

Helps distribute responsibilities evenly among people, so everyone shares the workload.

Example: "Let's take turns cleaning the office each week."

Family or team projects

Useful for collaborative tasks to involve every member and maintain fairness.

Example: "In the project, we will take turns leading different sections."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect verb tense

❌ Wrong: They takes turn sorting the files.

✅ Correct: They take turns sorting the files.

💡 Tip: Remember to match the verb form with the subject.

Wrong preposition use

❌ Wrong: They take in turns to speak.

✅ Correct: They take turns to speak.

💡 Tip: Omit the unnecessary preposition.

Separable verb error

❌ Wrong: Take the turn for the activity.

✅ Correct: Take turns for the activity.

💡 Tip: Remember the phrase is inseparable.

Practice

TAKE TURNS - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

During the meeting, we take turns presenting our ideas.
Alternative Communities Hub
2
Listen to example

The children take turns playing on the swing set.
Alternative Communities Hub
3
Listen to example

In the competition, teams take turns to showcase their skills.
Alternative Communities Hub

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

alternate rotate

Antonyms

monopolize

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"In class, students ___ answering the teacher's questions."

take

take turns

took

taking

In Context

In 1919, the Paris Peace Conference influenced the course of history, as it was supposed to end World War I and define new world dynamics. Leaders from the Allied Powers, including Woodrow Wilson, David Lloyd George, and Georges Clemenceau, met to deliberate on the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. In these intense discussions, they had to take turns voicing their perspectives, each battling for their national interests. At one point, Wilson proposed his Fourteen Points as a plan for peaceful global cooperation. However, Clemenceau insisted that France would not bow to ideals at the expense of national security. As the sessions progressed, they continued to take turns presenting arguments and counterarguments. The negotiations were often tense, with frequent pauses for reflection and strategic planning. Ultimately, the leaders took turns signing the treaty on June 28, 1919. While the treaty aimed to prevent future conflicts, it also planted seeds of resentment, particularly in Germany. This historical episode highlights the complexities and critical outcomes when powerful nations must take turns deciding the world's fate.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Take Turns

What is the origin of take turns?

The phrase 'take turns' originated from the idea of each person in a group doing the activity one after the other. Its use dates back to the 16th century when the concept of turns in games and public speaking became commonplace.

Can take turns be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'take turns' is flexible and can be used in both formal and informal settings. It's appropriate in various scenarios, from casual conversation to professional meetings, where alternating roles or participation is required.

What is the difference between take turns and alternate?

While both imply rotation, 'take turns' emphasizes each participant having a moment, generally in a predefined sequence. 'Alternate' can suggest a more structured or systematic switch, often used in broader contexts like schedules or shifts.

Browse All Tiny House Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

TAKE TURNS - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Take Turns

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega